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Art Bergmann: Songs For the Underclass

August 27, 2014 - 2:59pm

Drones of Democracy is a pointed attack on the irony of bombing for peace. Musically, it's a slow, driving beat with howling guitars, leading to a crescendo of wailing instruments. Art and producer Chris Wardman have created a soundscape perfectly suited to the lyrics. It is arranged so that the final build leaves you feeling like you are standing in the aftermath of a bombing. There is no explosion of sound - There's a slight muffling as if you just lost your hearing because of a bomb. The bass continues its ominous flight. Gently wailing guitar echoes grief. The synth and other instruments fill out the scene. This is a masterpiece of sound mixing which puts you at ground zero.

Good protest songs - the ones that endure - never preach to the choir. They don't rally the converted. They never tell you what to do, just that something should be done. Good protest songs force you to think, to consider.

Art Bergmann reveals his mastery of the genre with the 4 song EP Songs for the Underclass. He shows you the screwed-up world and you have to decide how to deal with it.

Social commentary is not new for Art. From 1986's Empty House to 1990's Sexual Roulette to half the songs on his 1991 eponymous album, Art has never shied away from sharing his thoughts on poverty, militarism, globalization, or politics. There is a straight line from those songs to these Songs. But don't think this is a case of a tired-old-never-was trying for a comeback. Art's uncompromising attitude - which caused much grief for record companies - is rampant in these tunes. Songs for the Underclass is the product of a master craftsman who has spent decades honing his skills.

Songs for the Underclass is the best new music to come along in ages. It's the emergency lights in the stagnant sewer of the recording industry. Every one of these 4 songs is carefully built and polished to perfection. They showcase Art's gift for turning out phrases that speak volumes. The music fits like a custom jacket. The combination guarantees these songs will take root in your mind. It's impossible to over-emphasize the quality of this work: these are top-notch, killer tunes - the best set of new songs this century.

But Songs isn't just master songcrafting. These are proper protest-songs. It is impossible to listen and not have your mind kicked open.

Art Bergmann fans have been fretting for 2 decades, hoping desperately that Art would, someday, maybe, write another tune. Songs for the Underclass was worth that wait. And there's even better news. There's going to be an album soon, too.

Songs for the Underclass was released on the 26th on (weewerk) records for digital download through iTunes. It comes out on CD and Vinyl on September 5th or you can preview via livestream. Art is also touring, check his site.

ABOUT THE SONGS:note: I am always irritated when music reviews try to equate artists; each musician is different. However, people always want to know 'Who's he like???' So, without comparing Art Bergmann to anyone, here are some people this EP would get along with: Patti Smith, Woody Guthrie, Neil Young, Pete Seager, Bob Dylan, and Steve Earle. - JRM

Drones of Democracy

"From the heights of hypocrisy come the drones of democracyTo the weddings of Yemeni with homes and families Just like ours..."

The slow-drone of this song adds a third meaning to 'drone'. The first drone is the US Unmanned Ariel Vehicle which bombed a wedding in Yemen. The second drone is the sleeper terrorist waiting for his suicide attack. The third is laid over heart-thumping drums; an ominous combination of distorted guitar and fuzzy bass. It's a drone that moves though, hypnotizes and drags you to the unavoidable conclusion.

Drones of Democracy is a pointed attack on the irony of bombing for peace. Musically, it's a slow, driving beat with howling guitars, leading to a crescendo of wailing instruments. Art and producer Chris Wardman have created a soundscape perfectly suited to the lyrics. It is arranged so that the final build leaves you feeling like you are standing in the aftermath of a bombing. There is no explosion of sound - There's a slight muffling as if you just lost your hearing because of a bomb. The bass continues its ominous flight. Gently wailing guitar echoes grief. The synth and other instruments fill out the scene. This is a masterpiece of sound mixing which puts you at ground zero.

Company Store

Everything you buy is an actIt's gain is made from pain and that's a fact

This is rousing electric-folk two-step which makes for an instant sing-along. Art fires surgical strikes on globalization and capitalism, but beware! You won't get to ride the bandwagon. Fans know that Art is always generous with the blame and standing with him doesn't make you safe.

Art's ability to jam-pack meaning into a phrase really comes out in Company Store. Every verse is a whole novel in a few lines, and may send you researching issues. There's no law that awareness had to be sombre; Company Store will have you jumping around and shouting the chorus. It's a great rockin' tune with a dagger to the brain.

Ballad of the Crooked Man

We are all hollow menWards of the state here on sufferance

Crooked Man hits home like nothing I've heard this century. It's melodic despair and desperation driving headlong towards violent revolution. Every word in this song is carefully chosen and Art's vocals drive them home like a nailgun.

Art's acoustic guitar lays down a classic protest-song foundation with a generous dose of folk. Joe McCaffery's psychedelic electric adds the depth while Tim Deacon's mandolin flies on top like a flock of starlings. The rhythm section is as tight as a banker's wallet. And when the revolution comes, the assault will have you cheering. This is truly a masterwork.

Your Cold Appraising Eye

Your misery has been deliveredYou left enough behind to choke a riverHow many will be sacrificed?To your cold appraising eye?

Greed is a serial killer but Art knows where the bodies are. This song would be right at home on stage in New Orleans... especially in a still-mortgaged, Katrina-condemned lounge. This is a murder ballad, complete with slow drums and fantastic keyboard work by Lorrie Matheson. Emily Burrows' vocal solo near the end will echo in your brain for ages.

What can you say about people who manipulate the market to such an extreme that people end up starving as a result? That's murder, folks. - Art Bergmann

Music

Chris Wardman first came to the public eye as the guitar player and songwriter for seminal Canadian new wave band Blue Peter. The band’s hit songs included “Chinese Graffiti”, “Radio Silence” and the hugely popular “Don’t Walk Past”. “Don’t Walk Past” continues to garner airplay on radio and MuchMusic, many years later. Getting a taste for recording while working with British producer Steve Nye (Japan, Bryan Ferry, The Cure) on a Blue Peter album, Wardman went on to a successful producing career of his own. After releasing four discs Blue Peter disbanded and Wardman slid easily into the producer’s chair, working on albums for Chalk Circle, Randy Bachman, Emm Gryner, The Watchmen, Art Bergmann, Rusty, Big Wreck and many others. From 1989 to 1992, he was on the payroll at Capitol EMI Records as staff producer working with bands like Leslie Spit Treeo, David Gogo, The Tragically Hip, 13 Engines, National Velvet and more.

Online

Chris Wardman has been involved in interactive media since the early days of websites and CDROMs. For over 10 years Chris worked at BMG and Universal Music running their official artist sites and corporate web presence. He has built enhanced cds, dvds, tv spots and artist interviews. He has worked on numerous websites for a multitude of artists including the Spinnerette, Thornley, Crash Test Dummies, The Tragically Hip, Jully Black, Hedley, and Jacksoul. He specializes in clean, modern design with a bit of edge. Behind the scenes sites are managed with open source content management systems that allow client friendly updates using web 2.0 technologies and clean code. Current clients include labels, lifestyle management companies, artist management companies and talent management companies.